Barnett's job status at Colorado uncertain

AD calls report that coach will be fired 'speculation'

Published 6:30 am, Thursday, December 8, 2005

BOULDER, COLO. - Gary Barnett slipped out his office through a side door Wednesday evening, still the coach at Colorado but with his future uncertain amid reports he could be fired soon.

Barnett, who left with his attorney, John Rodman, refused to comment on a report in the Denver Post on Wednesday that said a source close to contract negotiations "indicated" that Barnett will not be brought back to coach the Buffaloes.

Colorado — which will face Clemson Dec. 27 in the Champs Sports Bowl — closed with losses to Iowa State, Nebraska and Texas by a combined score of 130-22.

The source, which the newspaper did not identify, said the poor finish was the final straw. Barnett has one year remaining on his contract and had looked to be in line for an extension until the bad finish. Athletic director Mike Bohn, back from meetings in New York, called the Post report "speculation."

"I don't know about that," Bohn told the AP when asked if the report was true. "It's inappropriate for me to comment at this time."